JULLIEN BACK NEXT WEEK

Celtic manager Neil Lennon expects Christopher Jullien to return next week following a lengthy spell out with a back injury.

The French centre- back, pictured, has been missed for the last ten weeks by Celtic, who face Hibernian at Easter Road this afternoon.

When asked yesterday whether Jullien was available, Lennon said: "Maybe not for tomorrow but definitely for next week, whether it be Sparta ( Prague) or Ross County in the cup. He has just started training the last few days. He is feeling good but tomorrow is probably too soon for him."

Right- back Jeremie Frimpong is fit to play at Easter Road after going off with a knee knock against Motherwell.

"It was just a little bit of a trauma, no ligament damage," Lennon said. "He has been training the last couple of weeks since the Motherwell game."

Hibs have Christian Doidge back from suspension for the visit of the champions.

Ofir Marciano, Ryan Porteous and Alex Gogic also come back from international duty after missing the Betfred Cup win over Dundee. Kyle Magennis, Lewis Stevenson and Scott Allan remain on the sidelines.

Hibs, meanwhile, have kicked off contract talks aimed at keeping Marciano and Joe Newell at Easter Road beyond their existing agreements.

“We have initiated conversations with their representatives exploring if they want to stay,” said manager Jack Ross. “It’s something we are keen on, for both Ofir and Joe, and we will see where the coming weeks take us.”